GFCS Family Handbook 2025-2026 by grapevinefaith

GRAPEVINE FAITH CHRISTIAN SCHOOL

FAMILY HANDBOOK

Grapevine Faith Christian School exists to develop and graduate authentic Christian leaders.

(Latest Version: as of 7/30/2025)

RECORD OF CHANGES, ANNUAL REVIEW, AND DISTRIBUTION

This Family Handbook has been reviewed or updated according to the dates below. This Record of Changes and Review identifies only significant changes made to this Handbook as part of the review process.

Record of Changes Table CHANGE NUMBER DATE OF CHANGE SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT CHANGES

• 9th Grade Academic Placement

• Class attendance – 15 minutes after class starts or missing more than 15 minutes will be considered absent

2025.1 7/2025

• Semester Exam – Junior High final exam schedule

• Request for records

• P.E. is a pass/fail class & attire enforcement

• High School mobile device policy update

HISTORY OF GRAPEVINE FAITH CHRISTIAN SCHOOL

The vision for Grapevine Faith Christian School arose in 1999 in the hearts of a handful of Christian parents wanting to provide their children a private school offering the finest Christcentered education, without sacrificing academics, athletics, and activities. After spending many months struggling with a new vision for a Christian school, Bruce Wilson prayed to the Lord, “Whatever you want, I’ll do it.” On August 25, 1999, 471 students and their parents joined together to form Faith Christian School. Today, the dream of these families is lived out each day in Faith students.

The School initially held classes in portable buildings at First Baptist Colleyville (now Cross Creek Church). Nolan LeBeaux served as the first Principal and Administrator for the School. In 2001, the School entered into a three-year lease agreement with Grapevine-Colleyville ISD to occupy the former Grapevine Middle School building located on Worth Street. On May 19, 2003, the School purchased the land and buildings to provide a permanent home for Faith families.

From the beginning, Faith has been about family. The school’s desire to be intentional in upholding the truth of God’s word and seeking to partner with families in carrying out Biblical instruction is as strong today as in Faith’s early years.

MISSION STATEMENT

Grapevine Faith Christian School exists to develop and graduate authentic Christian leaders.

CORE VALUES

Truth

Truth is absolute and established by God, reflecting His nature and character. We measure all ideas against the teachings of Scripture, grounding everything we do in God’s Word and seeking to anchor our students’ lives in this unwavering foundation.

Scripture…………………John 1:1; 8:32; 18:37, Matthew 7:24-25, 1 Corinthians 16:13

Wisdom

Wisdom is the discernment and application of Godly knowledge and experience, rooted in the fear of the Lord (Proverbs 9:10). We aim to guide our students in distinguishing between knowledge and wisdom, encouraging them to seek God’s guidance in all things.

Scripture………………James 1:5; 3:17, Proverbs 1:5; 3:6; 9:10, Ephesians 5:8

Honor

Honor means treating all people with the respect and dignity they deserve as image-bearers of Christ. We create an environment that values character and contributions, fostering a community of grace and respect, thereby equipping students to live with integrity and humility in accordance with God’s Word.

Scripture…………….Romans 12:10; 13:1, 1 Timothy 5:17, Proverbs 21:21, Deut 10:12

SCHOOL WIDE OBJECTIVES

1. Infuse a biblical worldview into students and families in every aspect of their school experience.

2. Support families as they fulfill the biblical mandate for Christian education of children.

3. Encourage staff, students, and families to be actively involved in and committed to a Bible-believing local church body.

4. Hire and retain professionally equipped Christian role models who pursue life-long learning.

5. Provide a challenging, Christ-centered and biblically based curriculum.

6. Encourage and provide ministry opportunities to the local community and beyond.

7. Exercise biblically based stewardship of all resources.

STATEMENT OF FAITH

• We Believe the Bible to be the inspired, infallible, immutable Word of God (II Timothy 3:15, II Peter 1:21).

• We Believe there is one God, eternally existent in three persons- Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (Genesis 1:1, Matthew 28:19, John 10:30).

• We Believe in the deity of Christ (John 10:33); His virgin birth (Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 1:23; Luke 1:35); His sinless life (Hebrews 4:15; Hebrews 7:26); His miracles (John 2:11); His substitutionary atoning death (I Corinthians 15:3; Ephesians 1:7; Hebrews 2:9) His resurrection (John 11:25; I Corinthians 15:4); His Ascension to the right hand of the Father (Mark 16:19); and His personal return in power and glory (Acts 1:11; Revelation 19:11).

• We Believe in the absolute necessity of regeneration by the Holy Spirit for salvation because of the exceeding sinfulness of the human nature; and that people are justified on the single ground of faith and the shed blood of Christ and that only by God's grace and through faith alone we are saved. Believing in and accepting Christ brings about a vital living personal relationship to every believer (Romans 10:9-13; John 3:16-19; John 5:24; Romans 3:23; Romans 5:8,9; Ephesians 2:8-10; Titus 3:5).

• We Believe in the resurrection of both the saved and the lost; they that are saved unto the resurrection of life, and they that are lost unto the resurrection of damnation (John 5:2829).

• We Believe in the spiritual unity of believers in our Lord Jesus Christ (Romans 8:9; I Corinthians 12:12,13; Galatians 3:26-28).

• We Believe in the present ministry of the Holy Spirit by whose indwelling the Christian is enabled to live a godly life (Romans 8:13,14; I Corinthians 3:16; I Corinthians 6:19-20; Ephesians 4:30; Ephesians 5:18).

• We Believe that the term marriage has only one meaning: the uniting of one man and one woman in a single, exclusive union, as delineated in Scripture (Genesis 2:18-25). We believe that God intends sexual intimacy to occur only between a man and a woman who are married to each other (I Corinthians 6:18, 7:2-5; Hebrews 13:4). We believe that God’s command is that there be no sexual intimacy outside of or apart from marriage between a man and a woman.

• We Believe that God wonderfully foreordained and immutably created each person as either male or female in conformity with their biological sex. These two distinct yet complementary genders together reflect the image and nature of God (Genesis 1:26-27).

Our Statement of Faith is not exhaustive of all of our beliefs. The Bible, as the inspired and infallible Word of God, speaks with absolute authority regarding the proper conduct of mankind and is the unchanging foundation for all belief and behavior. The Grapevine Faith Christian School Board of Trustees holds final interpretive authority on biblical meaning and application with regard to faith, doctrine, policy, practice and discipline.

Introduction to Handbook

Grapevine Faith is a Christ-centered educational community in pursuit of truth, wisdom, and honor with a focus on preparation for higher education.

GFCS has assembled faculty and staff who are committed to Jesus Christ and who view their work at Grapevine Faith as ministry. The school commits to serve children and to support the Christian home, the local church, and Christian education as all work together to meet the needs of every student.

This handbook communicates the policies and expectations of the school in order to maintain a Christian environment conducive to the training and instruction of young people. New situations develop constantly, and the School reserves the right to change, suspend or cancel all or any part of these contents at any time. It does not address every situation that may arise and is a living document, subject to ongoing updates and review throughout the course of each school year.

The Handbook should be reviewed and updated regularly by the School based on new regulations. The Administrative Team will review the handbook on an annual basis.

Section A. SCHOOL PHILOSOPHY

1.0 GRADUATE PROFILE

Grapevine Faith Christian School endeavors to produce graduates who...

1. Passionately know, love and pursue Christ. (Who I Am)

2. Purposefully infuse a biblical foundation and worldview into their broad education. (What I Know)

3. Actively engage the culture and influence the world for Christ. (What I Do)

What follows is the expanded version of the profile, using the acronym P.I.E., which stands for PURSUE, INFUSE, and ENGAGE. Faith Christian school endeavors to retain teachers who...

PURSUE

Passionately know, love and pursue Christ, as exhibited by...

• An understanding of their unconditional acceptance by God through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ;

• A commitment to loyal and responsible servant leadership in a local church;

• An authentic demonstration of the character of Christ through living as disciplined, culturally relevant men and women of integrity;

• Appropriating biblical knowledge as the foundation for continued character development and formation in the image of Christ; e. Exemplifying a long-term commitment to spiritual, emotional, and physical health and purity.

INFUSE

Purposefully infuse a biblical foundation and worldview into their broad education, as exhibited by…

• Possessing a rigorous and extensive foundation in core academic areas, demonstrating proficiency in assessments, and having attained or exceeded preparation for any further education they may choose;

• A commitment to lifetime learning, evaluating all information through an established and accurate biblical worldview;

• Enjoying and exercising tasteful creativity in the literary, visual and performing arts;

• Demonstrating mastery of modern technology in personal, scholastic and vocational settings;

• Demonstrating a clear knowledge of the scriptures and their implications and applications for both Christians and non-Christians.

ENGAGE

Actively engage the culture and influence the world for Christ, as exhibited by...

• Possessing a passion for, and the skills to, share the Gospel with all people;

• Using their gifts as Christian leaders to engage their culture and effect change in the world around them;

• Engaging the world of ideas, effectively using verbal and written communication to respectfully and persuasively present their points of view;

• Engaging their vocations as faithful stewards of God's calling, while living as responsible citizens of integrity.

• Serving the body of Christ and others as Christ served, carrying out Christ's commission to make disciples of all nations.

2.0 NOTICE OF NONDISCRIMINATORY POLICY AS TO STUDENTS

Grapevine Faith Christian School admits students of any race, color, national, or ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities available. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national, or ethnic origin, in administration of its educational or admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, or any other school-administered programs.

3.0 PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN HOME AND SCHOOL

A healthy partnership between the home and school is never more evident than when dealing with academic or behavioral problems at school. Conversely, an unhealthy partnership makes dealing with a particular problem difficult because the home and school cannot agree on either its cause or remedy. Therefore, it is incumbent on teacher and parents to be very active in the following three practices:

• Make contact. Take time to meet every teacher at the beginning of the school year. Participate in the educational process.

• Maintain on-going, open lines of communication with teachers. Agree when you can and agree to disagree when you cannot. Do not communicate via the student if there is any

conflict or question present.

• Work toward a high level of trust and respect. This takes time and effort, but when problems arise, it helps to trust the adult you are working with on behalf of the child.

• When communicating on social media, bear in mind that tone does not easily communicate. Therefore, please endeavor to maintain a positive communication style.

It is important that these relationships are courteous and that issues are resolved promptly. The following steps apply the biblical model in Matthew 18.

• Meet privately with the person to seek the resolution. With a spirit of reconciliation, look for the best way to resolve the issue, not for having one's own way.

• If unresolved, then contact the principal who will work to facilitate communication and resolve the problem.

• If still unresolved, the problem may be brought before other school leadership.

The principle underlying this procedure is clear: Solve each concern privately with the persons directly involved at the lowest level possible, moving the matter up the chain of command to the level where it is finally resolved.

4.0

DIVERSITY STATEMENT

Recognizing the dignity, worth, and value of all human beings as image-bearers of God is a key attribute of an authentic Christian leader. Because of this, the school welcomes an ethnically and economically diverse environment. Actions and statements by students will reflect the equality of all human beings and the common dignity of all people regardless of race or socioeconomic situation. The school will not tolerate the use of racial slurs, jokes, or demeaning actions by students, parents, or staff. Racially motivated words or actions will warrant strong discipline by the school.

The following are examples of disciplinary actions that may result from racial/racist actions:

• Removal from leadership positions or campus organizations

• Mandatory counseling

• Detention

• Suspension from co-curricular activities

• In school suspension

• Out of school suspension

• Probation

• Expulsion

Section B. GENERAL INFORMATION

1.0 BUILDING SAFETY

Safety is a group effort and requires everyone contributing. External doors should not be propped open during school hours. Employees, students, and parents should not open an exterior door during school hours for any person without a Faith badge. If you notice something of concern or out of the ordinary, please report your concern as soon as possible.

2.0 PERSONAL SAFETY

Students are responsible for personal property including athletic bags, school bags, and all contents. Items violating fire code or other safety guidelines will be removed and the owner notified. We discourage students from storing valuable items in their lockers or bags.

3.0 TELEPHONE USE AND TECHNOLOGY

The school phone is available to students for school purposes. If a student is not feeling well, he/she should report to the nurse’s office and use an office phone to call home.

Personal smartphones, smart watches, and/or other electronic devices are not to be used, or become a distraction when such use is granted, during the school day (8:15 a.m. to 3:45 p.m.) unless a teacher allows it for academic reasons. Parents will be notified and consequences may be imposed based on individual circumstances.

Parents will be notified and consequences may be imposed based on individual circumstances.

Each division will approach technology a little differently:

• Elementary students are not allowed to bring smartwatches or mobile phones to school. These devices will be taken up by the teacher and returned to the parent. Students may use the front office phone.

• Junior high students who choose to bring a smartwatch or smartphone to school should have them turned off and stored out of sight in their backpack or locker. These devices will be taken up by the teacher for a minimum of 24 hours and returned to the student or the parent at the end of the following school day. Additional consequences may be involved. Devices issued from a cart or by the school should be used for academic purposes only.

• High school students must turn off and store any personal electronic devices including mobile phones, smartwatches, wireless earbuds, and similar accessories in backpacks from the first bell to dismissal. These devices may not be used at any point during the academic day, including passing periods, lunch, or restroom breaks. Students may not carry them on their person, such as in a pocket or worn on the wrist.

The only personal device permitted for use during the school day is a laptop, which may be used strictly for academic purposes at the discretion of the teacher.

If a student has an urgent need to use their phone during the school day, they should report to the office and request permission from an administrator. Exceptions may be granted for documented medical needs, formal accommodations such as an IEP or 504 plan, or pre-approved family or safety-related circumstances coordinated with the administrative team. In addition, faculty may request prior approval to allow phone use for specific instructional purposes or learning activities.

To maintain consistency and support student growth, the following updated structure will guide enforcement:

• 1st Violation Device confiscated; student serves one detention

• 2nd Violation Device confiscated; student serves two detentions

• 3rd Violation Mandatory parent meeting; possible daily phone check-in/checkout

• 4th Violation One-day suspension; possible loss of leadership or extracurricular privileges

• Ongoing or Severe Violations Out-of-school suspension; administrative review for further action

Note: Repeated violations may result in restrictions to school-issued devices or app access. The administrative team reserves the right to adjust consequences based on context and student history.

We remain committed to healthy, reliable communication between home and school. The following systems ensure connection without the need for personal device access:

• Emergency Messages: Parents may contact the front office by phone or email. Staff will ensure timely delivery to students.

• Non-Emergency Messages: Parents are encouraged to email students or send messages that can be checked after dismissal.

• Student Outgoing Messages: Students may use the office phone to contact home when needed.

• School Email Access: Junior high and high school students may check their school email at designated times throughout the day.

• Transportation or After-School Changes: The front office will serve as the point of contact for updates related to pickup, appointments, or schedule changes.

• Emergency Protocols: In true emergencies, communication will be directed through administration to ensure accuracy and safety.

4.0 CLASS RETREATS

Beginning in the sixth grade, students attend a retreat once per year. The trip gives students a chance to bond as a class outside of school while experiencing hands-on learning and leadership development. In order to accomplish this, students are expected to participate in their retreat. Appointments, vacations, college visits, etc. should not be scheduled during this time.

5.0 AFTER SCHOOL CARE

After school care is available for students in PreK through 8th grade.

• Elementary students begin after care at dismissal time.

• Junior high students begin after care at 3:35 PM.

Students who are not picked up by the appropriate time will be sent to after school care, and parents will be billed accordingly.

Section C. STUDENT CONDUCT

Proverbs 1:1-5 ESV - The Beginning of Knowledge

1 The proverbs of Solomon, son of David, king of Israel: 2 To know wisdom and instruction, to understand words of insight, 3 to receive instruction in wise dealing, in righteousness, justice, and equity; 4 to give prudence to the simple, knowledge and discretion to the youth 5 Let the wise hear and increase in learning, and the one who understands obtain guidance…

Grapevine Faith Christian School exists to develop and graduate authentic Christian leaders. The school may be judged by the character the students demonstrate and by the way they conduct themselves. GFCS expects student conduct to reflect favorably on them and on the school at all times.

To maintain its high standards, Grapevine Faith Christian School reserves the right to discipline, suspend, or expel a student guilty of misconduct on or off campus, at school-sponsored events or other activities. Students will be held accountable for improper behavior. Each situation will be evaluated based on the information we have at the time. The school makes every effort to administer appropriate discipline.

Grapevine Faith Christian School expects each student to maintain Christian standards of courtesy, kindness, morality and honesty. The school requires each student to refrain from profanity, indecent language, gambling, cheating, sexual immorality (including homosexuality), racist remarks, actions, and other forms of harassment, stealing, the use of any type of tobacco, drugs, alcohol, and pornographic materials, and from participation in racist remarks, occult, unlawful, violent, or destructive acts.

Students are expected to abide by these standards throughout their enrollment at Grapevine Faith Christian School, during and outside of school terms; at school, home, or any other place. Students found to be out of harmony with the Grapevine Faith Christian School’s ideals may be asked to withdraw whenever the general student body welfare demands it.

Students are subject to this standard of conduct twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. The school partners with parents to instruct students in godliness, applications of Scripture, correction, rebukes, and training in righteousness. Unless there is an unrepentant pattern, the school works with the family. Students who do not cooperate with the school to bring about positive change may be at risk for not returning.

School pranks, Senior pranks, or acts of vandalism will not be allowed or tolerated. Discipline for students involved in these activities may include community service hours, fines, repair costs, suspension, exclusion from the graduation ceremony, a referral to law enforcement authorities, recommendation for expulsion, or a combination of these consequences. Students who are present on school grounds without proper school approval are considered trespassing.

Teachers’ discipline management systems give the student corrective feedback and communicate with parents. If the pattern of negative behavior persists, the teacher refers the student to the

appropriate administrator who counsels, reprimands, and prays with the student. The administrator identifies specific, measurable, and behavioral goals, as well as potential consequences.

1.0 DRUG AND ALCOHOL POLICY

Any breach of the policy, occurring twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year, irrespective of location, may lead to the following consequences:

Discipline for an offense can range from suspension, mandatory treatment programs, mandatory counseling, ongoing drug testing for a designated period of time, removal from leadership positions or campus organizations, referral to the appropriate law enforcement officials, suspension from co-curricular activities, probation, or a requirement to withdraw from GFCS, depending on the situation.

Depending on the circumstances, if a student is required to withdraw, they may have the opportunity to reapply at a later date.

The drug & Alcohol testing policy is available in Appendix A of this handbook.

2.0 BULLYING/CYBER BULLYING

Any form of bullying is considered harassment and is strictly prohibited at Grapevine Faith Christian School. We define “bullying” as aggressive, unwelcome behavior that is intentional, repeated over time, directed toward one or more individuals or groups, and involves an imbalance of power or strength whether real or perceived. Often single or isolated incidents are not “bullying.” Bullying can take various forms, including one or more of the following:

Physical – when one engages in physical force against another, such as hitting, punching, pushing, kicking, pinching, or restraining another.

Verbal – when someone repeatedly uses his or her words to hurt another, such as belittling or calling another person hurtful names, including racial slurs, teasing, or joking. Mocking, taunting, and spreading malicious rumors are also considered forms of bullying.

Non-verbal or relational – when one person manipulates a relationship or desired relationship to harm another person. This includes intentional and repeated social exclusion, friendship manipulation, gossip, or intimidation through gestures.

Sexualized bullying – involves behaviors that are sexual in nature. Examples of sexualized bullying may include sexting, physical bullying involving exposure of private body parts, and verbal bullying involving sexualized language or innuendos.

Cyber-bullying – the intentional, overt, and repeated act or pattern of aggression toward another person or group through any technological tool: email, instant messaging, text messages, digital pictures or images, smart phone “apps,” or website postings (including blogs, social media, or

networking sites), which may include, but are not limited to:

• Sending or posting mean, vulgar, or threatening messages or images;

• Posting sensitive, private information about another person;

• Sexting of any kind (electronically sending or receiving sexually explicit messages or images, regardless of a party’s willingness to participate);

• Pretending to be someone else in order to make that person look bad; and

• Intentionally excluding someone from an online group.

Anyone who witnesses bullying, and then encourages it, will be considered to be engaging in bullying.

Grapevine Faith expects students to conduct themselves in a Christ-like manner in all areas, therefore, this policy applies at all times. A student participating in any form of bullying will face disciplinary action and may be at risk of dismissal.

3.0 PERSONAL CONFLICT

It is important to differentiate bullying from personal conflict. Personal conflict is a disagreement between two or more people about a particular idea, thought, or action. This can occur as a onetime incident or repeatedly. Personal conflict often occurs when people fail to value the wishes of others. Personal conflict should be resolved between the individuals involved using biblical principles as demonstrated in Matthew 18.

4.0 SEXTING

Sexting is the act of sending, receiving, or forwarding sexually explicit or suggestive messages, photos, or images via mobile devices, computer, or other digital device. Students engaged in such activities are subject to school discipline. The school considers sending, sharing, possessing, or even viewing pictures, text messages, or emails that contain a sexual message/image a violation of this policy. This will result in school discipline, up to and including expulsion. The school also reserves the right to notify local law enforcement depending on the scope of the incident.

5.0 WEAPONS

Knives, firearms, or any other devices designed to be used as weapons are strictly prohibited from the buildings, grounds, and vehicles parked on campus. Possession of such items may result in suspension or expulsion and potential prosecution.

Section D. ACADEMIC INTEGRITY

Honesty is a value that holds each person to tell the truth and to defend the truth. Honesty supports intellectual growth and creates a fair learning environment. Integrity is firm adherence to our values with or without the presence of others. In an environment of honesty and integrity, it is important that the work we turn in as our own is our own.

Academic dishonesty includes all forms of unauthorized academic aid on all forms of assessment:

• any knowing or intentional help to another student or yourself,

• any attempt to help to another student or yourself, or

• any plan to help another student commit an act of academic dishonesty.

Cheating (using or attempting to use unauthorized information), copying (taking from another or the owner without permission) and plagiarism (representing other’s words, works, or ideas as one’s own) are serious offenses. Whether you give or receive information, the offense is the same.

1.0 CHEATING

Students who cheat deprive themselves of the opportunity to learn and, especially, how to think. Knowing how to think critically in each subject area prepares students for higher education classes and beyond to their professional careers. Cheating is destructive to the entire school community since it damages relationships and engenders mistrust in teachers and classmates. Students who do not cheat also suffer due to the inflated grades that result from academic misconduct. Cheating and plagiarism are forms of academic dishonesty and are both choices students can avoid. Ignorance about what constitutes cheating is not a defense. Any occurrence of academic dishonesty will result in communication with both parents and administration.

2.0 DEFINITIONS

Plagiarism - All students are expected to cite each web page, book, or other source each time they include any information in an essay or project of their own. Plagiarism includes but is not limited to the following instances:

• Including the words of another writer without including proper citation. Copying and pasting from the internet or other electronic sources - even one sentence- is considered plagiarism unless there are quotation marks and proper citations.

• Citing sources but copying and pasting without quotation marks or proper citation methods

• Presenting the ideas of another writer or speaker (scientist, programmer, artist, etc.) as one’s own original thought. Though a writer shares the opinions of other writers, unless the writer of record has original thoughts, the information must be credited properly.

• Submitting another student’s work as one’s own, for example, an essay written by a sibling or a friend.

• Presenting a paper or art work, etc. purchased from an internet essay site

• Purchase of a paper online does not give you the right to present it as your own.

Cheating - Some examples of what cheating looks like (non-exhaustive):

• Copying another student’s work or assignment (including homework) to submit as one’s own.

• Allowing another student to copy your assignment (including homework) with the intention of submitting to a teacher for credit.

• Using unauthorized materials during a test or quiz, such as cheat sheets, graphic calculators or other electronic devices during a test or quiz.

• Helping another student without permission during a test/quiz or providing information concerning a test/quiz. This includes discussing content from any previous assessment.

• Stealing or borrowing or removing an exam from the classroom or taking it from a teacher (or any facsimile of it) without explicit permission.

• Modifying or in any way altering a teacher’s grades or official records.

• Using a teacher’s notes, manuals, guides, or old tests without explicit permission from the teacher.

• Submitting an assignment in two separate classes for different assignments without explicit permission from your teachers (in both subjects).

• Duplicating, including but not limited to, screen captures, photos, electronic copies and/ or video is prohibited without direct permission from the teacher or the owner of the work.

3.0 CONSEQUENCES

All incidents of cheating and plagiarism will mandate the following:

1. A zero on the assignment, regardless of the assignment weight.

2. Repeated acts of academic dishonesty may include additional consequences such as: Saturday detention, loss of membership privileges/leadership roles, behavior agreement, and may be at risk of dismissal.

Section E. SCHOOL ATTENDANCE

School attendance provides students with classroom experience: class activities and direct instruction. Instructional programs are progressive and sequential in nature. A student’s failure to attend class regularly will be treated as a serious problem.

1.0 REPORTING ABSENCE

Parents should report all student absences through the Family Portal (Veracross). Students returning to school after missing five days or more due to an illness or injury will be required to provide a medical release from their treating healthcare provider prior to returning to school. The medical release must stipulate whether the student is returning to full activity, list any restrictions to activity, and state the anticipated time frame restrictions will be in place. Additional information may be required.

2.0 TYPES OF ABSENCES

Planned Absences. When the absence is known ahead of time, it is the responsibility of the parents (elementary and junior high) or students (high school) to contact the teachers three (3) days in advance to secure class assignments and take care of any needed work before leaving. In order to avoid late grades, all coursework, which includes assessments, and homework assignments are due on the day they return to class, unless otherwise noted by the teachers. Regardless if the review is missed, students will take missed tests the day they return. For school activities, the student should contact the teacher(s) in advance to arrange an approved plan.

Unplanned Absences When the time of the absence is not known in advance, the parent and/or student should secure missed work as soon as possible. A student will be given a reasonable opportunity to make up assignments and tests missed during the absence, typically one school day for each day absent. This does not apply to planned absences. Parents and/or students must arrange for tests or assignments to be made up.

Unexcused Absences. A student with an unexcused absence, which includes truancy and being out of dress code, will receive a zero for work due that day to include homework, tests, quizzes, and paper submissions.

Extra-Curricular participation. Students must be in attendance at school for at least half of their class periods (this applies to any early release schedules) to participate in a game, performance, or any other type of school related activity scheduled for that day. (Ex: A student being released for an activity during 5th period must be in attendance for at least 3 classes).

ESF (Excused School Function)/Leadership Absences Students that are absent due to a school event, which includes certain leadership activities (i.e. leading a retreat or an all day athletic event that doesn't have wifi), appropriate arrangements should be made by the student with the teachers of the classes that will be missed. These absences do not count towards Saturday School.

Minimum days/minutes present for credit. In order to receive the full benefit of an education, students must attend class. Therefore, students must be in attendance at least 90% of the school year to receive credit for that year. Students should not miss more than nine (9) days per semester. In addition, missing more than fifteen (15) minutes of class time is considered an absence.

All absences are counted equally when assessing total days absent. Saturday school may be assigned as needed to meet this requirement.

3.0 TARDY

Students arriving late to school must report to the central office for permission to enter class. Traffic is not a legitimate excuse for tardiness, unless there has been a verifiable traffic issue.

Students arriving to class after the tardy bell may be considered tardy and receive a detention.

Students might not be able to make up class work missed due to tardiness.

Three (3) tardies within a semester are recorded as one absence and count toward total days absent.

Jr. High and High School students arriving 15 minutes after class starts or misses more than 15 minutes at the end of class will be considered absent.

4.0 DETENTION (Grades 6-12)

Detention times are scheduled weekly as determined by the school. If a student misses a scheduled detention, he/she shall make it up with additional time added at the next available detention time.

When deemed appropriate, Saturday Detention may be used as consequences. Saturday detentions are typically held during the morning and require a fee.

Students who exceed the allowed nine (9) days of absences in any class per semester will be required to attend Saturday School. Saturday School guidelines:

• There is a charge for students to attend Saturday School.

• Students must wear the school uniform.

• Saturday School can be conducted from 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. All students should arrive before the start time. If necessary, the times can be altered earlier or later.

• Once a student leaves a Saturday School session for the day, he/she should not return.

• Saturday School credit is given hour for hour. For example, if a student has nine absences and misses first period, then he/she will have one hour of Saturday School to make up. If a student has nine absences and misses a whole day, he/she has eight hours of Saturday School to make up. This includes creative arts, electives, and PE classes.

• Students who earn Saturday School attendance must be prepared to actively participate in

academic activities and/or campus work projects and to demonstrate a commitment to excellence and content mastery. Failure to do so may result in additional Saturday School hours.

5.0 TRUANCY

Truancy is the absence from school for any reason without the knowledge and consent of parents. It is a violation of state law and therefore considered a severe violation of school policy. Examples of truancy include, but are not limited to, leaving campus without permission, leaving campus and failing to sign out, or being on campus but not in the class's proper location.

Class work and/or assignments missed due to truancy will not be accepted for credit and a grade of zero will be given during a truant period.

Parents will be notified and the student shall be subject to disciplinary action.

6.0

CLOSED CAMPUS

Grapevine Faith Christian School operates a closed campus.

• Students are not to leave campus to run errands for any reason.

• Students are not free to come and go from campus. Arriving late and leaving early requires signed notes from parents and must be approved by a school administrator. Students must sign in and out in the school office.

• Students who ignore these requirements are considered truant and are subject to disciplinary action.

• Students may not have visitors during the day without prior approval by a principal.

• Only seniors are allowed to sign out for off-campus lunch with a parent’s written consent.

7.0

VISITORS

All visitor on campus must check in with the school office and receive a Visitor’s Pass. Prior to entry to the building, the visitor’s driver's license is scanned and the information is verified using a national database to ensure no known criminal history exists. The only visitors allowed are parents, guardians, alumni in good standing, emergency family contacts, or pastors (with parental permission). Any exception must be approved by the principal in advance.

8.0 STUDENT RELEASE

Students may not sign themselves in or out. All students, including high school, must be signed out through the main office by a parent, guardian, or other parent designee.

Students/parents must enter and exit the buildings through the front office only. Back/side doors are not to be used during school hours.

Driving students may only sign themselves out for necessary appointments through the front

office with prior written consent. Written consent must include the time the student may leave and the time the student will return. Upon return, the student must bring a doctor’s note. This procedure applies to all driving students, including seniors.

Non-driving students will only be released to the care of a parent, guardian, or a parentdesignated adult.

Off-campus lunch or signing out during off periods is for seniors only with a parent’s written consent This privilege is based on the expectation that the student will be responsible and return on time for their next class. If students continually return late to class or miss classes after checking out, the privilege will be revoked.

Parents may not sign out anyone other than their own student for lunch.

Parents and/or students may not order food from a restaurant or delivery service and have it delivered to the front office or any other entrance. The school is not able to monitor Doordash, Uber Eats, or other food delivery services.

Parents may drop off lunch for their high school student and place it in the cabinet in the front office or other designated space for the student to pick up during their lunch period.

Parents may drop off lunch for their student in the front office at the lower school.

9.0 SCHOOL CLOSING

In times of emergency, parents will be notified of school closings or other emergency measures through text, our social media accounts (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter), on the homepage of the website and via email if possible, or through announcements on various radio and TV stations: WFAA Channel 8 TV and Channel 5 KDFW TV.

10.0 EARLY ARRIVAL

Elementary students may arrive at school as early as 7:30 am and go directly to the cafeteria where there will be teacher supervision. Elementary student supervision is not available before 7:30 am.

Section F. ACADEMIC INFORMATION

1.0 ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE

AI Integration from a Christian Worldview. Christian belief is based in both knowing and loving God, and it is important that we hold all tools that mankind develops with a loose grip, not relying on them in our journey to understand the world and times in which we live. Recognizing that AI will be a part of our students’ educational lives going forward and that we have an opportunity to shepherd them through this transition, we are committed to helping students navigate the ethics and innovations around AI usage.

Therefore, GFCS has developed the following guidelines surrounding the use AI in education. With anticipation that the technology will continue to evolve, our expectations are below and may be updated as necessary throughout the year. For the purpose of this document, AI refers to generative technology that replaces traditional human outputs.

Expectation of AI Integration as a School that Values Academic Curiosity

• Students and parents will presume that AI is not permitted on any assignment unless explicitly approved by the classroom instructor.

• Instructors are expected to use their professional judgment on the age-appropriate ways that AI may be used for educational purposes.

• All assessments will emphasize original thinking on the part of the student.

• AI should be incorporated in limited ways to challenge students in their learning, not to reduce opportunities for critical thinking.

• Major assessments should require students to demonstrate complex thinking in ways that are unique to a human participant.

Expectation of Students

• Students will seek teacher approval for any use of AI for submitted work and will seek to clarify the circumstances under which AI may be used appropriately.

• Students shall view AI (when applied to academic work) as a collaborative resource, which is cited (using MLA Format) when used. Citation for ChatGPT.

• Students should understand that the information provided by AI must be fact checked against scholarly resources.

• Students may expect that in addition to any demonstration of learning that is submitted (with or without AI), at any point, they may be asked by the teacher to provide a verbal or visual demonstration of learning.

Expectations of Teachers

• Teachers must clearly explain the proper use of AI and when it is or is not appropriate in their courses.

• Teachers approach the question of academic integrity as a conversation when using tools that detect AI and/or plagiarism.

• Teachers responsibly refrain from putting sensitive information about students into ChatGPT or other AI programs (including but not limited to grade performance, infractions, health history, etc.)

• Teachers use the valuable feedback that AI has to offer to students to augment their own feedback.

• Teachers see and use AI as a tool but do not cede authority to AI (e.g., course development, lesson planning, grading).

Expectation

of Administration

• Administration expects a good faith effort to be made in all written work at developmentally appropriate levels by students and expects that teachers will use discernment in all assigned written work.

• Administration expects a continuous review of AI policies due to it being a new and evolving technology, and will communicate AI policy changes to the entire GFCS community with reasonable timelines before enforcing any new expectations.

• Administration will collaborate with knowledgeable stakeholders in refining further acceptable use principles for integrating AI.

2.0 CHALLENGED MATERIALS

It is the school's desire to make sure that the content, images, and information found in textbooks, library books, and other resources are age appropriate and in line with the schools mission. In the event that content is found to be offensive, inappropriate, or against the mission of GFCS, please let us know. Completion of the "Request for Review" form is the first step in the process of informing school officials of the need to review a book or resource. This form will be sent to the coordinator of library media resources and the corresponding principal to review in accordance with the Request for Review Policy.

Order of Conversations

If anyone whose child is directly affected objects to the presence of any media or book, he/she is asked to observe the following procedure:

1. Schedule a conversation with the relevant teacher at a mutually convenient time to discuss:

a. What is the name of the resource?

b. Did you read, view, or listen to the resource in its entirety?

c. Please describe why you believe the named resource is objectionable.

d. To what specific portions in the resource do you object? Please cite pages and/or sections.

2. If the outcome of that discussion is not satisfactory to the complainant, then he/she is to contact the division principal, who will give the complainant a form to be filled out called “Request for Review of Material.”

3. Upon receipt of a completed formal request for reconsideration, the division principal will convene a review committee. The committee shall be minimally composed of the Vice President of Academics, another division principal, the relevant department chair, and any other school personnel deemed appropriate at that time. The committee shall meet to review the material in question. The committee will

a. Read the original complaint

b. Read the materials in question

c. Consider the overall use of the material in the lesson/units

d. Weigh the consequences of keeping/removing the material

e. Weigh the message communicated to the community by keeping/removing the material

f. Come to a consensus (through the process of disagree and commit)

g. Respond to the original complaint with a bulleted set of reasoning to be submitted to the President or his/her designee.

4. This decision will be communicated to the complainant.

3.0 9th GRADE ACADEMIC PLACEMENT

Subject Eligibility Criteria for Course Placement

History Students must receive an 85% or above each semester (not an average of the two semesters)

English Students must receive an 85% or above each semester (not an average of the two semesters)

Bible

Course

AP Human Geography

Honors English

Students must earn at least 85% in each semester (not an average of the two) to qualify. However, for new-to-Faith 9th grade students seeking placement in Honors Bible, their English and History semester grades will be averaged, and the combined average must exceed 85%. Honors Bible

Either: Students must earn an 80% or above each semester in Advanced Science OR 90% or above in second semester of Algebra I Honors Biology

Science

85% or higher each semester in Pre-Algebra Biology

Below an 85% either semester of Pre-Algebra Conceptual Physics

90% or above in second semester of Algebra I

Math

Honors Algebra II

Honors Geometry

Below a 90% in second semester of Algebra I Geometry

Received Credit for Pre-Algebra Algebra I

Ninth grade students who are new to Faith and request Geometry will take a math placement test to determine readiness. Geometry

Spanish

Current Faith students must successfully complete Spanish I before being eligible for Spanish 2. Ninth grade students who are new to Faith will take a placement test to determine the appropriate course. Students are required to take two years of a foreign language in high school.

Spanish II or Above

4.0 HIGH SCHOOL CREDITS

High School credits are based on the following:

• Credits are earned per semester. Each subject is assigned 0.5.

• All online course credits and grades (credit recovery and Bible credits) are due by August 1 of the new school year. A transcript with the final credit and grade must be received in the College and Academic Advising office no later than August 1 or the student will be placed in the course for the regular academic year.

• Combined Honors/Dual Credit classes (ie. CS Lewis, Calculus, and Senior Bible) will receive the weight of an Honors course in the GPA calculation.

• Eighth grade students may take Algebra I, Advanced Science, and World History for high school credit. Courses are listed on the transcript, but not factored into their high school GPA. In order to receive high school transcript credit, a student must earn at least 80% each semester, not an average of the two semesters.

• Every senior must submit at least one set of ACT scores.

• Students are required to complete a minimum of four math credits, with enrollment in a math course every year. These credits must include Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II, and at least one additional upper-level math course.

• Students are required to complete a minimum of four science credits, with enrollment in a science course every year. These credits must include Biology, Chemistry, and Physics, along with one additional upper-level science course.

5.0 GRADE POINT AVERAGE AND CLASS RANK (Grades 9-12)

• Students are eligible to be ranked in the top 10% of their class if they are enrolled at Grapevine Faith Christian School by the first day of their junior year. This requirement does not apply to the selection of Valedictorian and Salutatorian.

• Each student’s grade point average (GPA) is calculated each semester.

• High school students must earn a 70% average per semester to receive credit.

• Class rank calculation is determined on a 100.00 GPA scale and is taken from grades 9–12.

• A student must pass the course with a 70 or above before the additional weight can be earned.

• AP and dual credit college classes receive ten additional points per semester in the calculation of GPA. Honors courses receive an additional five points calculated in the GPA per semester. Weighted earned grades will not appear on the transcript but are calculated into the weighted GPA.

• Students enrolled in AP and dual credit courses are required to sit for AP and dual credit course exams. (Students who do not sit for the AP exam for any reason will not receive AP credit for the course.)

• Students transferring into high school with Honors/AP/College credits that Faith does not offer will not be given weight for those courses in the GPA calculation. They will be listed on the student's transcript as an Honors/AP/Dual Credit course.

• Students who earn the honor of valedictorian or salutatorian must attend Faith a minimum of three consecutive years, beginning the first day of the 10th grade.

• Individual class rank is reported to colleges on the student’s transcript only if the student

ranks in the top 10%.

• Final class rank for Valedictorian, Salutatorian, and the top 10% will be determined at the end of the third quarter of the senior year.

6.0 COLLEGE PREP DIPLOMA PLAN

9th Grade 10th Grade 11th Grade

World Literature I World Lit II

12th Grade

Am. Literature Brit. Literature

Ancient Civilizations World Cultures Leadership Worldview

AP Hum Geo/Wld Hist US History US History II Gov/Econ

Geometry/Algebra I Alg II, Geometry

Alg II, Pre-Calc. Pre-Calc, Calc, DC Alg

Conceptual Physics Biology Chemistry Anat & Physiology

Foreign Language* Foreign Language* Foreign Language* Foreign Language*

Creative Art Elec Creative Arts Elective Elective

P.E./Athletics Elective Elective** Elective***

* Students must take two consecutive years of the same language in high school.

** Juniors have the option for a study hall.

*** Seniors have the option to take up to two off periods but they must be enrolled in at least six classes all year long.

7.0 SCHOLAR DIPLOMA PLAN

The Scholar Diploma Plan requires six of the following accelerated classes, as well as either PreCalculus or AP Statistics. At least one of these classes must be an AP or dual credit course.

9th Grade

Honors World Literature I

AP Human Geography

Honors Ancient Civilizations

Honors Biology

Honors Geometry

11th Grade

AP American Literature

AP U.S. History

Honors Biblical Leadership

Honors Chemistry, Honors Physics or AP Physics

Honors Algebra II, Honors Pre-Calculus

10th Grade

Honors World Literature II

Honors US History

Honors World Cultures

Honors Chemistry

Honors Geometry or Honors Algebra II

12th Grade

AP English Language or DC English

AP Government/AP Macroeconomics

AP Bio, AP Chemistry, AP Physics

Honors Pre-Calc, AP Calculus or AP Statistics

Honors Worldviews

Honors Spanish IV

8.0 HIGH SCHOOL GRADING SCALE

0-69 no credit

9.0 SEMESTER EXAMS

Semester exams are given at the end of fall and spring semesters to all students enrolled in a junior high or high school course.

Students may be exempt from the spring semester exams if they maintain a 90% or above in each of the third and fourth grading periods of the second semester.

High school and high school credit semester exams are 20% of the semester average. Junior high students will have a final exam schedule similar to the high school. The weight and details of junior high exams will be slightly different and specifically shared in the appropriate classroom syllabus.

10.0 P.E./ATHLETIC REQUIREMENTS

Physical education graduation requirements of one (1) credit may be met through off-season training, school-sponsored athletics, or cheerleading. High school students may take P.E. each year. High school and junior P.E. is a pass/fail class; therefore, credit is not calculated into the overall GPA. Students who do not attend more than ½ of their classes in a day will not be eligible to practice or play on that same day.

11.0 PROGRESS REPORTS AND REPORT CARDS

The school year at Grapevine Faith is divided into two semesters. Each semester consists of two grading periods, creating four quarters for the school year. At the midpoint of each quarter, parents are encouraged to view the current grades online. Approximately one week after each quarter’s end, parents will receive email notification regarding the availability of current report cards.

A parent-teacher conference may be required for any failing grade.

12.0 TEXTBOOKS

Teachers issue textbooks to students. Students are responsible for the care and security of their books. Textbooks should have an identification number and student name written on the inside cover. If a textbook/workbook is lost or damaged, a form is completed by the teacher and sent to the dean or assistant principal. The cost of replacement books must be obtained before grades or transcripts can be released.

13.0 SCHEDULE CHANGES

Schedule changes are subject to class sizes and teacher class load. Student-initiated schedule changes may occur only with the approval of the counselor and the principal. In order to change classes, a conference with teachers, principal, parents, and the student may be required.

Schedule changes will not be made after the second week of the fall semester.

14.0

COMMUNITY SERVICE

Community service is a graduation requirement. Students are required to complete a minimum of 20 service hours each school year, beginning in ninth grade. Service hours must be completed within the following three categories:

1. Grapevine Faith Christian School (On-Campus Service)

a. No more than 10 hours may be served at Faith, including any school-related events or activities.

b. These hours must be completed outside of the regular school day hours.

2. Local Church

a. At least 5 hours must be served on-site at the student’s local church.

b. These 5 hours count toward the required 20 hours.

3. 501(c) Non-Profit Organization

The remaining hours may be completed at any registered 501(c) non-profit organization

Notes:

• Students may choose to complete all 20 hours off-campus, as long as at least 5 of those hours are completed at their local church.

• Students may choose to do all 20 hours at a local church.

• Students are encouraged to serve beyond the 20 required hours there is no maximum limit to the total number of hours students can log.

• If you are serving at an organization and are unsure whether they meet our criteria for community service, please contact the school.

The community service calendar runs from May 1 to April 30 each year. Hours served after April 30 will count toward the following school year.

Failure to complete the required minimum hours will result in a 10-point grade reduction in fourth-quarter Bible class.

15.0 TRANSFER STUDENTS

Transfer students from schools accredited by agencies recognized by the state of Texas and within the United States will receive all previously earned credits and grades. Transfer students from unaccredited schools or schools accredited by agencies not recognized by the state of Texas will receive a pass/fail grade in each course approved by the principal. Transfer courses will receive GPA weighting for Honors, PRE-AP, and AP courses that were offered at Faith at the time they were taken elsewhere.

16.0 STUDENT WITHDRAWAL

A Student Withdrawal Form is completed in the Admissions Office. At that time, textbooks are checked into the Admissions Office and payment for lost/damaged books is received. The student must secure a release from the Librarian, Dining Services, Athletic Office, and Business Office indicating no outstanding charges. When the withdrawal process is complete, final grades will be released to the parent/guardian.

17.0 ACADEMIC PROBATION

Any student who receives a failing grade (69% or below) on his /her report card will be on academic probation and will not be eligible to participate in co-curricular activities for three weeks. The three-week period will begin the Monday after the report cards have been released. During the probationary period, students may practice but are ineligible to travel with their team/group or participate in any games/competitions. The student’s grades will subsequently be checked at the end of the three-week probationary period on Friday at the end of all classes, and the student must be passing all classes to be reinstated to co-curricular activities. In addition, grades for all students will be checked for co-curricular eligibility purposes with three weeks remaining in each quarter.

18.0 REQUEST FOR RECORDS

It is the policy of GFCS to have a procedure in place to handle student and business record requests that are concise, easily understood, and consistent with best practices. Recognizing that requests for student and other business records entail considerable time and energy to compile, the following guidelines are set forth.

At the time the subpoena or parent records request is received, the School will contact the parent and lawyer (if applicable) via email to:

• review applicable fees for the request

• inform the parent and/or lawyer (if applicable) that payment is required prior to the accumulation of records and/or court appearance

• inform the parent and/or lawyer (if applicable) that they are required to physically pick up records from school at a prearranged time

The School will communicate the actual amounts to be billed to the parent or legal firm to the Business Office. After the above steps are complete and fees collected, the School will begin the accumulation of records and/or direct the court appearance required by a staff member.

The attached fee structure will be applied for any requests above and beyond the scope of emailing an electronic copy of student’s report cards and/or transcripts. Parents receive a link at the end of each quarter during the school year to their student’s report card. Parents receive a link at the end of each semester during the school year to their high school student’s unofficial transcript. Parents may review and print their student’s behavior and attendance records for the current academic year via the Family Portal. Parents will be charged any attorney’s fees incurred by GFCS in conjunction with addressing or fulfilling requests. This includes the cost of advisement in legal matters, including but not limited to custody. As family and marital disputes where GFCS expends resources that would normally be used in the instruction of students or administration of the school, parents may be charged for time and resources.

Requested Records Fee Schedule

Court Appearance: In person

Phone conference

ACE records (court ordered subpoena required)

Behavior records and disciplinary actions

Counseling reports/recommendation